Minolta 50mm 2.8 CE (Rokkor-X) enlarging lens

Arvee · Jul 7, 2007

I have just spent about two hours researching the web trying to locate specifications for the above enlarging lens and came up empty handed. I recently won one on e**y and it performs well for large prints and softer at smaller (< 8x10) magnifications.

Does anyone in cyberspace have a spec sheet or know what magnification this lens will produce its optimal performance?

I did read that it was designed specifically for color printing and was optimized for greater than 10-12X enlargements, possibly even 15X.

I would sure appreciate getting a handle on the published numbers.

Thanks!

Fred

CraigH · Jul 7, 2007

I do not have a spec sheet, but that's my main enlarging lens & I've used if successfully for up to 11x14 with 35mm.

Craig

Anscojohn · Jul 7, 2007

IIRC,W. Eugene Smith used that lens and extolled its virtues.
John, Mount Vernon, Virginia USA

Flotsam · Jul 8, 2007

I use that lens for my 35mm. 2.8 is bright for focusing and the pre-set stopdown makes it hard for even me to screw up closing down after final focusing. Being able to easily ditch the click stops by puling down the ring makes it a nice lens if you use an enlarging meter. Sharpness has never been a problem for me.

Arvee · Jul 8, 2007

Either I was told or read somewhere that this lens was designed for enlargements 11X or larger and isn't supposed to perform well at 8X or smaller enlargements. I was hoping someone still had a spec sheet or there was info on the web that would confirm that.

Has anyone had that experience? I am seeing evidence that would imply the above is true but it also may be sample to sample variation.

Thanks!

Arvee · Jul 8, 2007

Hi All and those searching for Minolta information:

I have information from a very reliable source that Minolta optimized this lens for 15X - a 16x20 print. Some aberrations are present at smaller mags but the small size masks the problem. As print size increases, design elements come into play to minimize the aberrations at 16x20.

Question answered! I have been searching for this for quite some time!

And, I didn't think the lens was optimized at 16x20, more along the lines of the other lenses, 8X-10X.

ic-racer · Jul 10, 2007

Fred Aspen said:
Hi All and those searching for Minolta information:

I have information from a very reliable source that Minolta optimized this lens for 15X - a 16x20 print. Some aberrations are present at smaller mags but the small size masks the problem. As print size increases, design elements come into play to minimize the aberrations at 16x20.

Question answered! I have been searching for this for quite some time!

And, I didn't think the lens was optimized at 16x20, more along the lines of the other lenses, 8X-10X.

Can you mention your source? I have been using a Rokkor CE 30mm 2.8 for Minox and 16mm. I have heard this lens was optimized for 20x or so but have not seen any factory data to confirm it. I have a manual for the Minolta enlarger that states the 30mm lens is "optimized for 16mm and smaller" formats and the specs show the 30mm lens can produce "26x enlargements on the baseboard."

Arvee · Jul 12, 2007

IC-Racer,

Yes, if you google MinMan you will find his website and his site contains much information on Minolta products. He also checked his lens spec sheet but the info was not available there and, if memory serves, I believe the information came from a magazine review of enlarging lenses from the late '80s that he had in his archive.

Anyway, his email contact address is on the website if you wish to query him on additional information. I am not on my other computer so I don't have his address available to me.

Fred

kiku · Jul 12, 2007

Fred:
I have 2 pieces of Minolta literature that contain information about their enlarging lenses. One is a promotional brochure about Minolta products and the other is the instruction manual for my Minolta Mod-III Color Enlarger. In both the following data is given:
Magnification Ranges on Baseboard: 30mm lens: to 26X
50mm lens: to 15X
80mm lens: to 8.6X

Please note that these are "Magnification Ranges on Baseboard" and not "optimized for" numbers as some have quoted in this thread. The only mention of "optimum" in the literature is "The C.E. Rokkor-X lenses are computer-designed for optimum performance with the Minolta Color Enlarger, and provide high edge-to-edge resolution and contrast, even coverage and flatness of field".

Cordially, Howard Tanger

Fred Aspen said:
...
I did read that it was designed specifically for color printing and was optimized for greater than 10-12X enlargements, possibly even 15X.

I would sure appreciate getting a handle on the published numbers.

Thanks!

Fred

Arvee · Jul 13, 2007

Thanks, Howard, for the update. I realize this new information adds a bit of confusion to the answers received thus far. As I said earlier, the general consensus was that the lens was designed for large magnifications. This may have come from the fact the short focal length is made for large magnifications in the smaller formats and that may have been carried over to the 50 and the 80.

Your data stating 'up to 15X' would imply more traditional values similar to the Rodagon/Schneider lenses with specs of 2-15X with optimal performance around 8-10X.

If your brochures can shed any more light on the subject I would appreciate it. If not, I am going to assume the brochure is the guiding document and will operate under the above assumptions.

Thanks again!

Fred

This is a great site!

ic-racer · Jul 16, 2007

kiku said:
Fred:
I have 2 pieces of Minolta literature that contain information about their enlarging lenses. One is a promotional brochure about Minolta products and the other is the instruction manual for my Minolta Mod-III Color Enlarger. In both the following data is given:
Magnification Ranges on Baseboard: 30mm lens: to 26X
50mm lens: to 15X
80mm lens: to 8.6X

Please note that these are "Magnification Ranges on Baseboard" and not "optimized for" numbers as some have quoted in this thread. The only mention of "optimum" in the literature is "The C.E. Rokkor-X lenses are computer-designed for optimum performance with the Minolta Color Enlarger, and provide high edge-to-edge resolution and contrast, even coverage and flatness of field".

Cordially, Howard Tanger

I have those same two documents from my Mod III enlarger, but as you indicated they only indicate the maximum magnification.

Arvee · Jul 16, 2007

Since this thread is still alive, I have one other minor question:

I have both the CE only version and the CE Rokkor X version. The CE only version has a positive stop going from click stop mode to continuously variable mode (no click stops).

The Rokkor X version doesn't have a positive stop to lock it in either mode but does have some frictional resistance between modes.

Is my Rokkor X version broken or is this normal?

Thanks!

Fred

CraigH · Jul 16, 2007

Mine has two positions. Up is click stops & down is continuously variable.

Craig

Arvee · Jul 16, 2007

Craig,

Does the Rokkor X version 'snap' into either click stop or no click stop position? Or is it a push-pull with no solid lock (no detent) in either position?

Fred

CraigH · Jul 16, 2007

It's a push pull on mine.

Craig

chip j · Sep 24, 2014

I've had a 50mm 2.8 CE Rokkor X for some yrs, but the labeling is in white and the logo on the bubble is the old Minolta(I've seen some Xs on ebay where the lettering is in orange). I just got a 50mm 2.8 CE, and the bubble has the last Minolta logo and the serial # is a lot newer (they both look alike, w/maybe a very slight variation in coating). This I confusing to someone like me I remember an old pic of W E Smith using a Leitz enlarger w/a Minolta lens, but the pic seems to pre-date these newer models. And what's this I read about Minolta lenses beng used extensively in darkrooms? I've been in photography 48 yrs & never heard of them until I got one from Shutterbug.

Zathras · Sep 24, 2014

I use a 50mm f2.8 C.E. Rokkor on my Valoy II with excellent results. I went on an enlarger lens buying binge a few years ago when they were real cheap on eBay, so I have all kinds of glass to amuse myself with. I also have the 80mm f5.6 C.E. Rokkor and would not part with either lens.

chip j · Sep 24, 2014

My old Rokkor-X gives a very luxurious, but dated, look. I doubt if the newer CE will be any different.

mklw1954 · Sep 25, 2014

My C.E. Rokkor-X 50mm and 80mm lenses (with white and orange lettering) are the best enlarger lenses I have and I also have 50mm and 80mm Rodenstock Rodagon and EL Nikor enlarger lenses. Sharper, excellent for color, and better build quality. Got each one a few years ago on ebay, in excellent condition, for about $50 each.

chip j · Sep 25, 2014

Yes, they're built like a 1958 Oldsmobile!

Minolta 50mm 2.8 CE (Rokkor-X) enlarging lens

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